The Best Watches Introduced by ORIS in 2021

Looking back at 2021 as Oris must be quite satisfactory since, at least according to us, it has introduced a fair number of very good watches. Of course, it’s mostly about the new Calibre 400 series of movements, developed in-house, but that’s not all. Across pretty much all collections in the brand’s arsenal, we saw new models with upgraded materials and specifications. And yet, as we kind of expect Oris to do so, each one remained relatively attainable. Oris knows where its strengths lie and show skill in using that. Here is our selection of the best new watches introduced in 2021 by ORIS.

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403

In constant production for over 80 years, the Big Crown Pointer Date is one of the true cornerstone collections for Oris. Last year Oris decided to update its prolific Big Crown Pointer Date with its new in-house Calibre 403 automatic movement. Following on the 2021 Hölstein Limited Edition, it now becomes a permanent member of the family. The case has been reduced to 38mm and has a flat, polished bezel instead of the coin-edged one. The deep blue dial plays host to various other subtle touch-ups too, with more modern hands, and fonts for the indices. With the new movement boasting a 120h power reserve, several non-ferrous and silicon components and running within COSC tolerances, the Big Crown Pointer Date is more alive than ever.

All details on the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 are in our article here.

Quick Facts – 38mm diameter – stainless steel, polished and brushed – flat polished bezel – screw-down crown – domed sapphire crystal, sapphire crystal caseback – 50m water-resistance – blue dial – indices, numerals and hands with Super-LumiNova – Oris Calibre 403, manufacture – automatic winding – 28,800vph – 12h power reserve with 2 barrels – hours, minutes, small seconds, date – EUR 2,900

Oris Carl Brashear Calibre 401 Limited Edition

Oris has had quite the success with the retro-themed Diver Sixty-Five collection, and subsequently with the Carl Brashear adaptations of it. This one is dedicated to the incredible story of Carl Brashear, overcoming monumental challenges in life and graduating as the first African-American master diver in the US Navy. The new Carl Brasher Calibre 401 is the third model along this theme and comes in a 40mm diameter bronze case with a deep blue dial covered by an ultra-domed sapphire crystal. The big change is the use of the Oris Calibre 401, featuring central hour and minutes with small seconds at 6 o’clock. It uses silicon components to boost its resistance to magnetism and has two barrels providing an admirable 120 hours of autonomy.

All details on the Oris Carl Brashear 401 Limited Edition are in our article here.

Quick Facts – 40mm x 11.9mm height – bronze case, brushed – unidirectional bronze bezel with bronze insert in relief – screw-down crown – steel engraved caseback – 100m water-resistance – domed navy blue dial – applied indices and hands with Super-LumiNova – Oris Calibre 401, in-house – automatic winding – 24 jewels – 28,800vph – 120h power reserve with 2 barrels – silicon escape wheel and anchor – hours, minutes, small seconds – Erika’s Original blue elastic nylon strap with bronze hardware – Limited Edition of 2,000 pieces – EUR 3,700

Oris Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition

Oris also surprised us with the unusual yet striking Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition. The main attraction is its textured grassy green dial, evoking the grasslands of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Oris has teamed up with the Okavanga Air Rescue organization, founded by Swiss entrepreneur Christian Gross, and Dr Misha Kruck from Germany. The Okavanga Air Rescue team is a private service with helicopters and aeroplanes to provide medical assistance and care to locals and tourists in remote areas. Power comes from the Oris calibre 751 (Sellita SW 220-1 base), providing 38 hours of power reserve. The strap is made by Erika’s Originals and is exclusive to Oris, matching the theme perfectly.

All details on the Oris Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition are in our article here.

Quick Facts – 41mm diameter – stainless steel case, brushed – fixed fluted bezel – sapphire crystal, screwed caseback – 100m water-resistance – green textured dial – applied indices and hands with Super-LumiNova – Calibre Oris 751, Sellita SW 220-1 base – automatic winding – 26 jewels – 28,800vph – 38h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds, date – green textile strap by Erika’s Originals exclusively for Oris – Limited Edition of 2,011 pieces – EUR 2,150

Oris AquisPro Date Calibre 400

If Oris is well-known for offering great diving watches at a relatively attainable level, there’s one that stands out as a proper go-anywhere-do-anything professional tool. The Oris AquisPro Date Calibre 400 is a serious beast on the wrist, and for good reason. It is by far the brand’s strongest, boldest dive watch and now comes with the in-house developed Calibre 400. Replacing the former ProDiver line, the new AquisPro is very big, extremely legible, and capable of going deeper than you and I will probably ever take it. With a 1,000m water-resistance it is a sure-fire (back-up) instrument for saturation divers to rely on. It has a lightweight titanium case and through its clever construction remains fairly comfortable on the wrist despite the daunting size.

All details on the Oris AquisPro Date Calibre 400 are in our article here.

Quick Facts – 49.50mm diameter – multi-piece titanium case with black DLC coating – unidirectional diving bezel with patented locking system – screw-in crown – sapphire crystal – 1,000m water-resistance – black dial with wave motif –applied indices and hands with Super-LumiNova – Oris Calibre 400, manufacture – automatic winding – 21 jewels – 28,800vph – 120h power reserve with 2 barrels – silicon escape wheel and anchor – hours, minutes, hacking seconds, date – black rubber strap, adjustable folding clasp in titanium – EUR 3,900

Oris Aquis Date Upcycle

When it comes to the usage of materials, we see a shift towards a more sustainable watchmaking industry. Multiple brands are consciously thinking about how to reduce waste and upcycle materials one way or another. The Oris Aquis Date Upcycle literally fits this trend, as the dial in either of the two available sizes (41,50mm and 36,50mm) is made with recycled PET plastics. Despite the fact each one is made with the same base material, every single dial is unique in its colour patterns. Combined with the Oris Aquis’ aquatic capabilities, it makes for a very interesting watch. A watch that also solidifies Oris’ push towards a more sustainable future. For now, it is still fitted with an outsourced movement, but perhaps somewhere down the line, a Calibre 400 series movement will be introduced.

All details on the Oris Aquis Date Upcycle are in our article here.

Quick Facts – 41,50mm or 36,50mm diameter – stainless steel case – unidirectional bezel with grey ceramic insert – sapphire crystal on both sides – screw-down crown – 300m water-resistance – upcycled PET ocean plastic dial – applied indices and hands with Super-LumiNova – Oris 733 calibre, Sellita SW 200-1 base – automatic winding – 26 jewels – 28,800vph – 38h power reserve – stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp – non-limited editions – EUR 2,000

For more information, please visit Oris.ch